Recent data from Consumer Reports has revealed that electric vehicles (EVs) encounter 79% more issues compared to traditional gas-powered or hybrid cars, raising concerns about their reliability.
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Despite this, global sales of EVs are on the rise, with the International Energy Agency reporting that they accounted for 14% of new vehicle sales in 2023 and are projected to grow to 16% in 2024. In the U.S., EVs made up 11% of new vehicle sales in September 2023 and surpassed the 1 million mark for EVs sold in the same year.
Consumer Reports' survey findings are not entirely surprising, given that many EV manufacturers are relatively new to the technology or to the automotive industry altogether. Jake Fisher, Senior Director of Auto Testing at Consumer Reports, acknowledges that these challenges are typical for companies transitioning to EV production and believes they can be overcome with time.
The reliability of EVs varies among manufacturers and models. While some, like Tesla, have earned recommendations from Consumer Reports, others, such as Rivian, are still addressing reliability issues. Additionally, certain types of EVs, like trucks, have faced criticism for not matching the performance of their gas-powered counterparts.
Despite their reliability concerns, EVs generally cost more to repair due to a shortage of certified mechanics and longer repair times. Labor shortages and the complexity of diagnosing and fixing issues contribute to higher repair costs for EVs compared to gas-powered vehicles. However, as EV popularity grows, the number of qualified technicians is expected to increase, potentially reducing repair costs in the future.
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Despite these challenges, the future looks promising for EVs. Global surveys indicate that buyers are primarily motivated by factors such as high fuel prices and environmental concerns rather than running costs or reliability. Manufacturers are likely to address reliability issues over time, and as more technicians become certified, repair costs may decrease. Thus, while concerns about reliability persist, the outlook for EVs remains positive.